Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):3
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):6-11 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.001
This article provides a comprehensive summary of mood stabilizers used in routine clinical psychiatric practice in the Czech Republic. These medications are used to reduce the risk of depressive or manic episodes in patients with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder. The article pays particular attention to lithium, covering its pharmacological profile, proven efficacy, and adverse effects associated with its administration. Additionally, sodium valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine are described in detail from pharmacological and psychiatric perspectives. The article concludes with a summary of recommendations for clinical practice.
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):12-16 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.002
Telemedicine is a modern method of providing healthcare that uses information and communication technologies to enable remote contact between doctors and patients. Its aim is to improve the availability of specialist care, facilitate long-term patient monitoring, and make more efficient use of healthcare system capacity. In the Czech Republic, child psychiatry was one of the first fields to begin systematically using telemedicine. Since January 2024, remote contact in child psychiatry using video cameras has been officially available, becoming an important addition to outpatient care. This article summarizes two years of clinical experience with the...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):17-24 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.003
The article presents the structure and content of a twelve-day inpatient program focused on the diagnostics and psychoeducation of attention deficit disorders in adults. The program takes place at a specialized unit integrating clinical assessments with daily psychoeducational sessions. These sessions aim to enhance patients' understanding of ADHD and other attention disorders, develop coping strategies, and support self-regulation. The program is interdisciplinary, involving collaboration among a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, neurologist, physiotherapist, somnologist, nutrition and addiction specialist, and music therapist. The article outlines...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):25-32 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.004
Ketamine administered at subanesthetic doses represents a rapidly acting and safe intervention with the most robust evidence for efficacy in major depressive disorder, particularly in treatment-resistant depression. In a subset of patients, a rapid reduction in suicidal ideation has also been observed. The effect of a single administration is typically time-limited and usually necessitates repeated or maintenance dosing within a defined clinical regimen. In clinical practice, off-label use of racemic ketamine is encountered alongside intranasal S-ketamine (Spravato®) used within officially approved indications, whereas R-ketamine remains experimental....
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):33-35 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.005
Physical activity should be a routine part of the treatment plan for patients with schizophrenia. Studies have shown a beneficial effect of exercise on cognitive function, positive, negative and depressive symptoms, and improvements in social skills and overall physical fitness. Individual and group programs, lasting at least six months, are optimal, with endurance aerobic training with rhythmic engagement of large muscle groups under the supervision of a trainer, for one hour at least 3 times a week. Exercise is a non-stigmatizing and safe intervention, with a minimum of adverse effects and a maximum of desirable ones.
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):36-42 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.006
Introduction: Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders, but many patients do not have access to appropriate psychotherapy due to limited service availability, stigma, or financial barriers. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based therapeutic programs represent an innovative and affordable alternative to standard psychotherapy. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, adherence, and effectiveness of the Mindwell online CBT program for people with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Method: A total of 188 patients who were referred by health insurance companies based on referrals from outpatient psychiatrists...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):44-48 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.010
Inadequate response to initial antipsychotic therapy is relatively common in patients with schizophrenia. In case of inadequate response to initial antipsychotic treatment, it is possible to increase the dose of initial antipsychotic, replace the antipsychotic with another, or resort to a combination of antipsychotics. Insufficient response to antipsychotic treatment after two weeks is a negative predictor of response to the aforementioned treatment even in the longer term. Therefore, the period of two weeks from the start of treatment appears to be a suitable interval for assessing the effectiveness of an antipsychotic and also the time for intervention....
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):49-51 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.007
In current gerontopsychiatric practice, it is customary to determine the levels of total valproate through therapeutic level measurement (TDM), but it is also important to determine the levels of albumin and especially the free fraction of valproate in a specific patient. It is the free fraction of valproate (i. e. the biologically active part of the drug that is not bound to albumin) that determines not only its pharmacodynamic activity, but also the adverse effects or even toxicity of valproate. Hypoalbuminemia is a very common finding in older patients, which also leads to an increase in the free (not bound to albumin) fraction of valproate even...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):52-59 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.008
The article examines a hidden, and serious phenomenon that has devastating psychological, social, and financial impacts. It is a relatively new type of crime that deliberately targets the fundamental human need for love and connection. The article debunks common misconceptions about the profile of victims. It explains the techniques of psychological manipulation, such as love bombing, mirroring, and the creation of a trauma bond. Through two case studies, it demonstrates how psychological manipulation and trauma manifest in the clinical presentation of victims. It addresses the challenges of differential diagnosis and argues that the seemingly delusional...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):E1-E7 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.009
Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most prevalent anxiety disorders, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. However, access to traditional psychotherapy is often hindered by stigma and geographical or financial barriers. Internet-based therapeutic programs, such as Mindwell, offer an accessible alternative based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and adherence of the internet-based psychoeducational program Mindwell in individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of GAD. Method: A total of 209 patients were enrolled in the program based on recommendations...
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):60-62
Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(1):63-66